Catheter device

ABSTRACT

A catheter device having a graduated container fed by a catheter tube, venting means providing for displacement of air from the container and an outlet tube extending upwardly into the container, the outlet tube having an overflow hole disposed within the container and a drain hole spaced downwardly from the overflow hole. The outlet tube is manually movable from a first position in which the drain hole is closed to a second position wherein the drain hole is open to the interior of the container.

United States Patent 1 1 Paludan et a1.

[4 1 Oct. 1, 1974 CATHETER DEVICE [75] Inventors: Morgan Paludan;Richard Bruce Waite, both of Northbridge, New South Wales, Australia[73] Assignee: Pharma-Plasto (Australia) Pty.

Limited [22] Filed: Feb. 9, 1973 [21] Appl. No.2 331,190

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Feb. 25, 1972 Australia 8065/72[52] US. Cl. 128/275 [51] Int. Cl. A61f 5/44 [58] Field of Search 128/2F, DIG. 24, 275,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,312,221 4/1967 Overment128/275 3,345,980 l0/1967 Coanda 128/2 F 3,460,529 8/l969 Leucci 128/2 F3,534,738 10/1970 Huck 128/275 3,583,401 6/l97l Vailliancourt et al.128/275 Primary Examiner charles F. Rosenbaum Attorney, Agent, orFirmHauke, Gifford & Patalidis & Dumont [5 7] ABSTRACT A catheter devicehaving a graduated container fed by a catheter tube, venting meansproviding for displacement of air from the container and an outlet tubeextending upwardly into the container, the outlet tube having anoverflow hole disposed within the container and a drain hole spaceddownwardly from the overflow hole. The outlet tube is manually movablefrom a first position in which the drain hole is closed to a secondposition wherein the drain hole is open to the interior of thecontainer.

12 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PAIENTEDBBI H974 SHEET 3 BF 3 FIG SCATHETER DEVICE This invention relates to catheter devices and moreparticularly to a measuring device for use with urinary catheters.

It is customary during and after renal operations to drain urine from apatients body by means of catheter devices and to measure the urinaryoutput. In such measurements it is desired to know the volume of initialamounts of drainage accurately while that of subsequent larger amountsneed only be estimated roughly.

In previously known catheter devices, a graduated measuring container isprovided, which is fed by a catheter tube and carries a drain with astopcock. The use of such a catheter device must be closely supervisedin order to avoid the filling up of the apparatus and consequentialbackflow of urine to the patients body.

Attempts have therefore been made to incorporate overflow tubes incatheter devices. The overflow tube extends through the lower portion ofthe measuring container and opens therein at a height corresponding tothe desired maximum level of urine in said container. The overflow tubeis connected to one limb of a Y- junction piece of which the other limbis connected via a valve to the drain of the container, and the footextends to a sink or the like.

The last-mentioned arrangement has been found difficult and cumbersomefor operation by a nurse who customarily keeps a patient undersurveillance.

An object of the present invention is to provide a simple, reliable,conveniently operated and economical catheter device. I

The invention consists in a catheter device comprising a graduatedcontainer fed by a catheter tube, venting means providing fordisplacement of air from said container and an outlet tube extendingupwardly into said container through a liquid tight gland in the floorthereof, said outlet tube having an overflow hole disposed within thecontainer and a drain hole spaced downwardly of the overflow hole, andbeing manually movable from a first position wherein said drain hole isclosed to a second position wherein said drain hole is open to theinterior of said container.

A preferred embodiment of this invention shall be described withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a catheter device connected to adrainage bag.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the catheter device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the catheter device of FIG. 1 taken in thedirection of the line 33 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the lower portion of thecatheter device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an inlet tube, a nonreturn valve and partof an outlet tube, all being components of the catheter device of FIG.1.

Referring to the drawings, a graduated container 6 is in the form of atapered cylinder comprising an upper compartment 7, marked withcalibrated scale 9, lower compartment 8 of smaller section, carrying afiner calibrated scale and throat 21. The upper compartment 7 may have acapacity of 250 mls. and scale 9 thereon may be read to the nearesthundredth of a liter. The lower compartment 8 may have a volume of 50mls.

and volume readings may be taken on scale 10 to an accuracy of amilliliter.

A cover 11 of container 6 carries an inlet tube 12 which passestherethrough and communicates with a catheter tube 17 via an elbowjunction 16.

In this preferred embodiment a non return valve 13 is provided whichcomprises a bag-like structure made of pliable plastics film or otherpliable and light-weight water repelling material, with its mouth 14sleeved onto the tube 12 and its flaring end 15 defining a slit fornonreturn passage of liquid therethrough. Non return valve 13 alsoserves as a bacteriostatic trap.

The cover 11 also carries sample access means 41 which may comprise aspigot 42 air-tightly stoppered by a rubber or other plug 40 andconnected to a dip tube 34 which extends to the bottom of the lowercompartment 8. A sample of the liquid in the container 6 may be drawn byway of access means 41 by means of a syringe or the like. Venting means43 situated on cover 11 comprise an air outlet tube 18 and a chimneystructure 19 fitted thereon and holding a plug of cotton wool 20 whichserves to filter dust particles and germs from air passing therethrough.Venting means 43 allows displaced air in container 6 to escape as thelatter is being filled and permits air to be drawn into container 6 whenliquid therein is being drained off. This prevents abrupt changes inpressure in the catheter tube 17, which would cause uneasiness in thepatient.

An outlet tube 30 extending into container 6 is opened at its upper endto provide an overflow hole 33, into which liquid can overflow when theliquid level in the container 6 rises beyond its level. Thus outlet tube30 and non-return valve 13 together provide double safety measuresagainst the back flowing of liquid into the catheter tube 17.

A roof 31 fixed by pillars 32 over overflow hole 33 prevents dripping ofinflowing liquid thereinto. Tube 30 is manually movable axially. Itincludes a journal portion 22 which defines a drain hole 23. The portion22 slidingly engages throat 21, such that drain hole 23 is exposable tothe interior of the lower compartment 8 for drainage of the contents inthe container 6. Drain hole 23 is located between upper and lowersealing washers 29 and 24 lodged in circumferential grooves in theoverflow tube 30. The washers 29 and 24 bear liquid-tightly against theinternal wall of throat 21 to prevent leakage between tube portion 22and throat 21. When tube 30 is withdrawn from container 6 by pulling acollar 25 of tube 30 until an abutment 27 abuts the proximal end 28 ofthe throat 21, the drain hole 23 will be wholly within the throat 21 anddrainage thereinto will be blocked by upper washer 29. Drain hole 23 canbe exposed to the interior of the lower compartment 8 by plunging tube30 into container 6 until the collar 25 contacts the end of throat 21.

FIG. 4 shows tube 30 in the fully upwardly extended position whereinliquid in container 6 may drain into outlet tube 30 via drain hole 23 asindicated. by the ar- I'OWS.

In this preferred embodiment, a drainage bag 35 is also provided to actas a bulk storage for the collected liquid. It is adapted to receive thedistal end 26 of outlet tube 30 and is furnished with an additive inlettube 36 fitted with a closure cap 37, for the introduction of additivessuch as germicidal or bacteriostatic agents. A drain valve 38 on thedrainage bag 35 allows the latter to be emptied. Approximatemeasurements of the amount of liquid in the bag 35 can still be madeeither by examining a calibrated scale thereon or by draining the liquidinto other measuring devices.

Lugs 39 on the rim of cover 11 facilitate the mounting of the catheterdevice.

The preferred embodiment is so proportioned that when it is mounted froma frame of a bed with the inlet tube slightly below the body of thepatient, the drain valve 38 of the drainage bag 35 is just above floorlevel to allow operations thereon, and the collar 25 is handy at aconvenient height; having regard to the usual height of a hospital bed.

Following use, the catheter device may be sterilized by treatment withsterilising agent and may be reused.

In another embodiment of this invention, an outlet tube is manuallyrotatable about its axis within a sleeve from a first position wherein adrain hole thereon is closed to a second position wherein the drain holeis in alignment with a duct communicating with the interior of thecontainer.

We claim:

1. A catheter device comprising a graduated container fed by a cathetertube, venting means providing for displacement of air from saidcontainer and a rigid outlet tube extending upwardly into said containerthrough a liquid tight glandin the floor thereof, said outlet tubehaving an overflow hole disposed within the container and a drain holespaced downwardly of the overflow hole, and being manually slidablewithin said container from a first position wherein said drain hole isclosed to a second position wherein said drain hole is open to theinterior of said container.

2. A catheter device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said containercomprises a finely graduated lower compartment, a coarsely graduatedlarger upper compartment and a cover adapted to fit over said uppercompartment.

3. A catheter device as defined in claim 1 wherein said venting meanscomprise an air outlet tube communicating with said container and achimney-like structure fitted on said air outlet tube, containing an airfiltering medium.

4. A catheter device as defined in claim 1 wherein a drainage bag isprovided which is communicating with said outlet tube and is adapted toreceive liquid draining therefrom.

5. A catheter device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said bag iscalibrated in volume.

6. A catheter device comprising a graduated container fed by a cathetertube, venting means providing for displacement of air from saidcontainer and an outlet tube extending upwardly into said containerthrough a liquid tight gland in the floor thereof, said outlet tubehaivng an overflow hole disposed within the container and a drain holespaced downwardly from a first position wherein said drain hole isclosed to a second position wherein said drain hole is open to theinterior of said container; said container comprising a finely graduatedlower compartment, a coarsely graduated larger upper compartment and acover adapted to fit over said upper compartment; and wherein saidoutlet tube is axially movable such that said drain hole is without saidlower compartment in said first position and within said lowercompartment in said second position.

7. A catheter device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said bag has anadditive tube fitted with a closure cap and a drain valve controllingdrainage of the contents of said bag.

8. A catheter device comprising a graduated container fed by a cathetertube, venting means providing for displacement of air from saidcontainer and an outlet tube extending upwardly into said containerthrough a liquid tight gland in the floor thereof, said outlet tubehaving an overflow hole disposed within the container and a drain holespaced downwardly from a first position wherein said drain hole isclosed to a second position wherein said drain hole is open to theinterior of said container; and wherein said outlet tube is axiallymovable such that said drain hole is closed from the interior of saidcontainer in said first position and open to said container in saidsecond position.

9. The catheter device as defined in claim 8 and wherein said cathetertube is connected to said container through an elbow connector.

10. A catheter device as claimed in claim 8 wherein a non-return valveis provided comprising a bag-like structure with a mouth communicatingwith said catheter tube and an end defining a slit for non-returnpassage of liquid therethrough.

11. A catheter device as claimed in either claim including sample accessmeans through which a sample of said liquid may be drawn.

12. A catheter device as claimed in claim 11 wherein said sample accessmeans comprise a dip tube which extends to the bottom of said lowercompartment and carries a spigot on its upper end, said spigot beingstoppered by a plug.

1. A catheter device comprising a graduated container fed by a cathetertube, venting means providing for displacement of air from saidcontainer and a rigid outlet tube extending upwardly into said containerthrough a liquid tight gland in the floor thereof, said outlet tubehaving an overflow hole disposed within the container and a drain holespaced downwardly of the overflow hole, and being manually slidablewithin said container from a first position wherein said drain hole isclosed to a second position wherein said drain hole is open to theinterior of said container.
 2. A catheter device as claimed in claim 1wherein said container comprises a finely graduated lower compartment, acoarsely graduated larger upper compartment and a cover adapted to fitover said upper compartment.
 3. A catheter device as defined in claim 1wherein said venting means comprise an air outlet tube communicatingwith said container and a chimney-like structure fitted on said airoutlet tube, containing an air filtering medium.
 4. A catheter device asdefined in claim 1 wherein a drainage bag is provided which iscommunicating with said outlet tube and is adapted to receive liquiddraining therefrom.
 5. A catheter device as claimed in claim 4 whereinsaid bag is calibrated in volume.
 6. A catheter device comprising agraduated container fed by a catheter tube, venting means providing fordisplacement of air from said container and an outlet tube extendingupwardly into said container through a liquid tight gland in the floorthereof, said outlet tube haivng an overflow hole disposed within thecontainer and a drain hole spaced downwardly from a first positionwherein said drain hole is closed to a second position wherein saiddrain hole is open to the interior of said container; said containercomprising a finely graduated lower compartment, a coarsely graduatedlarger upper compartment and a cover adapted to fit over said uppercompartment; and wherein said outlet tube is axially movable such thatsaid drain hole is without said lower compartment in said first positionand within said lower compartment in said second position.
 7. A catheterdevice as claimed in claim 6 wherein said bag has an additive tubefitted with a closure cap and a drain valve controlling drainage of thecontents of said bag.
 8. A catheter device comprising a graduatedcontainer fed by a catheter tube, venting means providing fordisplacement of air from said container and an outlet tube extendingupwardly into said container through a liquid tight gland in the floorthereof, said outlet tube having an overflow hole disposed within thecontainer and a drain hole spaced downwardly from a first positionwherein said drain hole is closed to a second position wherein saiddrain hole is open to the interior of said container; and wherein saidoutlet tube is axially movable such that said drain hole is closed fromthe interior of said container in said first position and open to saidcontainer in said second position.
 9. The catheter device as defined inclaim 8 and wherein said catheter tube is connected to said containerthrough an elbow connector.
 10. A catheter device aS claimed in claim 8wherein a non-return valve is provided comprising a bag-like structurewith a mouth communicating with said catheter tube and an end defining aslit for non-return passage of liquid therethrough.
 11. A catheterdevice as claimed in either claim including sample access means throughwhich a sample of said liquid may be drawn.
 12. A catheter device asclaimed in claim 11 wherein said sample access means comprise a dip tubewhich extends to the bottom of said lower compartment and carries aspigot on its upper end, said spigot being stoppered by a plug.